About

ILLUSTRATOR FOR PICTURE BOOKS & EARLY READERS

“Nurture wonder, preserve beauty, and tell stories that speak to the heart.”

Download Bio Pic (.jpg) for Promo

After two decades in the animation industry, I returned to my traditional illustration roots with a renewed focus on children’s books after having my second child in 2020. I love world-building and breathing life into whimsical, emotionally resonant characters —whether human, animal, mythical, or wildly imagined. My work, crafted in watercolor, Prisma color pencil, and ink, results in vibrant, hand-painted pieces full of texture. I’m passionate about creating safe, imaginative spaces for children to explore, escape, and discover.”

Andrea Yomtob, Illustrator / emerging author

EMERGING AUTHOR YOU SAY?

I believe it’s essential to understand the craft of writing picture books as it deeply informs and enhances my visual storytelling, not to mention it’s so much fun! I began taking writing classes at Storyteller Academy in 2020 and have continued my growth through a one-on-one mentorship with a published author/illustrator. I have four DUMMIES available to review. Please email me at [email protected] to request the password for access.

SHORT BIO

I am a published picture book Illustrator and emerging author in Los Angeles, CA.

I graduated Art Center College of Design, cum laude, in Illustration. I had a 20-year career as a 2d/3d animator, primarily at Nickelodeon Studios and Film Roman, where I contributed to many Emmy-nominated shows (i.e., Dora The Explorer, SpongeBob Squarepants, King Of The Hill, The Simpsons, etc.) in pre and post-production.

I was a Finalist in the #PBParty Illustration Showcase in 2025, 2024 & 2023. In 2021, I won the SCBWI LA #KTIllustrates Award.  I’m an active member of SCBWI, 12×12, and multiple critique groups.

CV

NOTABLES

EDUCATION

AFFILIATIONS

  • SCBWI Member: Ten Years +

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

  • 25-Year Oil Painting Mentorship with Nicaraguan Poet and Painter Omar d’León. You can see my Fine Artwork HERE.
  • LACMA , Los Angeles County Museum of Art Docent for ages K-12 , (2007 – 2013)

PROFICIENT IN

  • Traditional Painting Techniques (Acrylic, Oil & Wax, Watercolor)
  • Drawing
  • Photoshop
  • InDesign
  • Many others…

MY STUDIO

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

  • I’m a mum of two (ages 5&8), wife, and garden enthusiast with a love for cheesecake, history, early mornings, and a set-in-his-ways 12-year-old bunny.
  • I studied for 25 years with Fine Artist Nicaraguan painter & poet, Omar d’Leon. My oil & wax paintings, LA Times interview, etc. are on my other website HERE.
  • I love writing picture books too! I have a one-on-one writing mentorship with a published author/illustrator, have taken courses at Storyteller Academy since 2020, and active on 12×12.
  • I love history, but I did not always feel that way. Watching British Archaeology shows and the ordinary lives of historical figures (ie. Egyptian, Roman, British Monarchy, Vikings, etc.) is a favorite pastime.
  • I love slowing down to watch nature’s small moments. So, it’s no surprise I love gardening!
  • I’m inspired by small acts of kindness, my children, happy accidents, how things work, genealogy, where things come from, symbolism among various cultures, and lesser-known facts.

On my nightstand:

  • Harry Potter and The Goblet Of Fire
  • Writing Picture Books by Ann Whitford Paul
  • Pete The Cat (Readers) and Bob Books (my 5-year-old loves these books and is learning to read)
  • Harry By The Sea by Gene Zion, illustrated by Margaret Bloy Graham, 1965
  • Celia Planted A Garden by Phyllis Root and Gary Schmidt, illustrated by Melissa Sweet, 2022

Current Favorites:

  • Can You Imagine?: The Art and Life of Yoko Ono by Lisa Tolin, illustrated by Yas Imamura, 2025
  • Stuck!: The Story Of The La Brea Tar Pits by Joyce Uglow, illustrated by Valerya Milovanova, 2025
  • The Bee Without Wings by Amberlea Williams, 2023

Memorable Childhood Favorites:

  • Princess & The Pea by Hans Christian Andersen, Adapted and Illustrated by Janet Stevens, 1982
  • The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, 1964
  • Little Bear by Maurice Sendak, 1957
  • Where The Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein (especially the poem How To Eat A Whale), 1974
  • The Knight And The Dragon by Tomie dePaola, 1980

Let’s connect! [email protected]